It's clear as water that I remember what my past boss from previous job always remind me "Security and Safety". No matter what is your work or line of work always put into consideration the two words "safety and security" or "security and safety", either way they are both important, most especially in the construction business. By the way my past boss or bosses are retired generals and officers of the Philippine Army and Marines, so imagine that.

That's why whenever I'm looking for equipment or products that I'll be using for my household I always take into consideration the two word safety and security.



Just few hours ago, I was able to visit the Philconstruct Trade Fair that is happening at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay. Take note that because of the large number of exhibitors and participating companies they are having two venues to showcase different products of the industry, one in SMX and the other one is in World Trade Center. This only means that the trade show are getting bigger every year.

So what does Philconstruct do? Well Philconstruct Trade Show features different products and companies that are into Building Construction Material, Equipment and Sanitary ware Industry. The trade show runs from November 8 to 11.


To give more input about Philconstruct, here's what they say about it. It is recognized as the biggest construction show in the country, is credited for having helped define the landscape of building and construction in the country for over two decades by creating a space for manufacturers to showcase industry-related items such as building materials and components, construction equipment and materials, building accessories, construction accessories, and essentials, interior design materials, exterior design products, and construction machinery.

One of its biggest exhibitor, Taiwan Excellence, features different new and patented products for different uses that comes with the word safety. Yes their products are created to promote safety and security. Taiwan Excellence is just one of its exhibitors that brings a selection of brands that have been recognized as some of the best that the country has to offer. Taiwan Excellence is an organization that reviews and recognizes all Taiwanese products and grants awards to products that are found to be exceptionally superior.

This year’s Philconstruct expo, Taiwan Excellence will not only be exhibiting their most elite brands on site, but they will also be hosting seminar discussing the strengths and benefits of their featured brands and also accommodates inquiries about their products. Aside from its strengths they will also share how safe the products in securing ones life.

Take note that some of these products are not yet in the market and are willing to find partners in manufacturing and distributing the technology. Imagine that these products are shared to the local household scene and Filipinos can benefit from it. Excellent product, user friendly, safe, and secure.


Each one of the companies present in showcasing their products are proud recipient of the Taiwan Excellence Award, bestowed upon them for outstanding performance in four aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing.

Some brands showcase their innovation in creating sustainable solutions, such as Caesar Sanitary Ware. This brand carries the hydropower sensor faucet as its showpiece, a faucet whose mechanical detector runs completely on hydropower. Other than consuming no electrical energy, the faucet requires no external power source, and thus no wiring, making for effortless installation. The corrosion and tarnish-resistant chrome finish makes it a lovely addition to any bathroom, marrying form and function.

Another energy saver is Sunonwealth Electric Machine Industry Co., Ltd., having created a more energy efficient ventilation fan/filter. The fan is also designed for safety, being fireproof and waterproof. It features magnetic buttons and a lateral suction design, and gives users an energy savings of roughly 60%. Definitely not bad for this little powerhouse that promises an ultra-high air flow 250m³/h.

For work platforms of exceptional stability and safety on all types of construction sites, the company Chiao Teng Hsin Enterprise Co., Ltd. has made a ladder accessory called Aluminum Telescopic Steady Support. A structure comprised of four frameworks, it uses a multifunctional joint ladder structure and has hidden-style stainless steel shrapnel. Like every good tool, it works well with existing structures, and can be installed on other, less secure ladders. While installed, each step can hold a load of 150kg, and its anti-slip rubber feet allows the ladder to be safe and stable in a variety of work sites.

Ferro-Carbon Enterprise Co., Ltd. (FECA) brings several innovative storage solutions to the table, perfect for smaller spaces and maximizing any area. FECA products promise durability and style, and with their patented industrial vacuum technology suction cups, bring an end to the era of drilling and hammering into your walls to install storage. Each unit, such as the Samurai Wall Shelf Set, the Samurai 10" Magnetic bar, and the Samurai Storage Bag can be attached to rough surfaces, are durable and reusable, and are stable in temperatures of -10 ̊C to 70 ̊Cͦ.

Security is the name of the game with Tong Lung Metal Industry Co., Ltd’s featured proximity lock. A lock that features four-in-one access methods: fingerprint, proximity card, password, and physical key, it eliminates the chance of users locking themselves out of their homes and offices while ensuring the security of their space. The lock eliminates excessively complicated procedures, ensuring that it locks quickly to safeguard from exterior threats while allowing for easy escape from the interior. To make things even simpler, it also has a voice guide feature for programming and operation.

Xing Tai Guang Co., Lld. Sheds a lot of light on the subject of illuminating interior and exterior spaces with its XTGL Optical CMH Luminaire. With a power factor (PF) of ballast higher than 95% and a light output ratio (LOR) higher than 85%, it gives a luminous efficacy of luminaire higher than 85 lm/w.

Lei Yueh Enterprise Co., Ltd., believing that you should be able to see what’s inside your cabinets and small spaces without heavily impacting your electric consumption rate, presents the LED Mini Star, an ultra-slim and lightweight light source that only uses 3.26 watts per fixture.

One of the products that catch my attention is the products from e-Formula. One is their Energy Management System that is highly reliable and saves up energy of up to 40% or even more. Imagine saving a lot from your electric consumptions. Much more for big companies, which only means more production but lesser expense. During the interview they did shared that Telstra is the current client that uses the system.

Another product from them is their seismometer, an innovation in early detection. It detects and measures faster less disruptive P waves from seismic activity, and sends an alert before the more damaging S wave arrives. This definitely provides the safety and security for every building.


Cabinets and shelving systems that are poorly built are a safety hazard at worst and a nuisance at best. Addressing this problem is a Silent Self-Closing Ball Bearing Slide by King Slide Works Co., Ltd., which ensures that the home or office of the future has storage spaces that are not just whisper-quiet, but also secure and smart. Cabinets with the slide are self-closing, and the soundless speed down mechanism helps drawers close quietly by themselves, an effective improvement in living spaces that also prevent accidents caused by drawers left open.


Taroko Door & Window Technologies, Inc. offers up the Intuitive Detachable Pleated Screen, a screen system for both windows and doors that feature a dual function: keeping harsh light out during the day and keeping insects out at night while letting air freely circulate. Although highly mechanical, the screen is easily removed from wherever it’s installed for cleaning. Another perk is that it’s durable, boasting a minimum usage cycle of 100,000 times.

About Taiwan Excellence Awards

The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1992. Recognized by 102 countries as a symbol of outstanding quality, it is awarded every year to eligible candidates who undergo a rigorous and stringent selection system that covers four major aspects: Research and Development, Design, Quality, and Marketing. Products that have been selected for the Taiwan Excellence Awards have been deemed to have Innovative Value and are chosen to serve as examples of the domestic industries to be promoted by the government in the international market in an effort to shape the creative image for Taiwanese businesses.
About TAITRA

Founded in 1970 to help promote foreign trade, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) is the foremost non-profit, semi-governmental trade promotion organization in Taiwan. Jointly sponsored by the government, industry associations, and several commercial organizations, TAITRA assists Taiwanese businesses and manufacturers with reinforcing their international competitiveness and in coping with the challenges they face in foreign markets. TAITRA boasts a well-coordinated trade promotion and information network of over 1,200 international marketing specialists stationed throughout its Taipei headquarters and 50 overseas offices worldwide. Together with its sister organizations, the Taiwan Trade Center (TTC) and the Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), TAITRA has created a wealth of trade opportunities through effective promotion strategies.

Another great musical production, the Waitress, hitting its international premiere in Manila at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City this coming November 9, 2018. The show, which continues to perform for sold-out audiences on Broadway and across the USA, is also set to debut at London's West End in 2019 and in Australia in 2020.

This musical production is based on the beloved film by Adrienne Shelly and it features music and lyrics from 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Love Song," "Brave"); and a book by Jessie Nelson. The show made history by having Broadway's first all-female creative team.



Waitress tells the story of a pie maker named Jenna who, despite the mundanity of her life, finds comfort and reckoning in the simple magic of baking. With the help of her two friends Dawn and Becky, she dreams of a way out of her loveless marriage and musters the courage to change her life for the better.

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One of the award winning international musical theatre star Joanna Ampil leads the show as Jenna. Some of her West End musical performances are Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Avenue Q and Jesus Christ Superstar. She also played as Candida in the recent film Ang Larawan has won her numerous Best Actress Awards locally. Jenna will be her first role back in the local theatre scene after her stint as Grizabella in the international tour of Cats.

Another character in the musical is Becky, the sassy waitress and lovable friend of Jenna, which will be played by Bituin Escalante. One of the influential figure in OPM, Bituin has also made rounds in the theatre scene since 1999 and she said during our interview with her that before singing it was theater. She has starred in numerous Tony-winning shows in roles such as Joanne in Rent, Effie White in Dreamgirls, and Asaka in Once on this Island. Her recent performance as Aling Saling in Himala: The Musical has earned her critical acclaimed.

Maronne Cruz completes the trio characters in Waitress as plays the role of the neurotic and eccentric character of Dawn. Maronne is no stranger to musical theatre. She has appeared in numerous productions including Jeannie in Hair, Gabbi in Sa Wakas, Josephine in Ako Si Josephine, and Stepsister Joy in Cinderella.  She has also appeared in the indie film Mariquina as Monet and, most recently, performed in the hit musical Ang Huling El Bimbo.

Joe's Pie Diner would not be complete without the men of the show and joining the ladies are Bibo Reyes as Dr. Pomatter, Nino Alejandro as Ogie, George Schulze as Earl, Dean Rosen as Cal, and Steven Conde as Joe.

Waitress also features Luigi Quesada, Gerhard Krysstopher, Luis Marcelo, Emeline Celis Guinid, Teetin Villanueva, Sarah Facuri, and Jillian Ita-as.

It is under the direction of Bobby Garcia, Choreographed by Cecile Martinez, Set Design by Tony Award winner David Gallo, Lighting Design by Aaron Porter, Musical Direction by Farley Ascuncion, Costume Design by Raven Ong, Sound Design by Josh Millican, Hair and Make-up Design by Johann dela Fuente and Vocal Coaching  by Manman Angsico.

The international premiere of Waitress will run from November 9 to December 2 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati. For tickets, contact Ticketworld at (632) 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Martial Law is perhaps one of the most talked-about topic in Philippine history. A part of the past that has its pros and cons.

Why talk about it? Well, as part of the history we should have at least a knowledge about it (validated information) so that we can understand our past. And for the current generation they should learn about it, but of course always take the positive and negative side then validate.

One of this year's Cinemalaya film, ML (short for "Martial Law) hits the commercial big screen, meaning more viewers and audience, reaching more individuals to learn something about ML.

 The film was considered as one of the most shocking movie, which I can attest because of how the film was portrayed. A part of history that is presented in an unusual story.


The film is directed by Benedict Mique and brought to life by veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who plays the role of a retired Metrocom Colonel with a slight dementia who believes that he still lives in the Martial Law era. Together with the other newcomers in the film industry Tony Labrusca, who played the role of Carl who is a college student who learned about the realities of Martial Law from someone who lived in that era. Aside from Eddie Garcia and Tony Labrusca they are joined by Liane Valentino, Henz Villaraiz, Jojit Lorenzo, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Chanel Latorre, and Chrome Cosio.

The film was nominated for Best Film, Best Editing and of course it earned Eddie Garcia the Best Actor award during the 2018 Cinemalaya.

Now ML hits the big screen nationwide on November 7.

I think this was the third opening of the branch in Robinsons Galeria, one opening and two reopenings. The first reopening was in 2013, which I was able to cover (Yoshinoya Robinsons Galleria Branch Reopening) and just this October was the recent. The only difference is that the first reopening was not graced by Miss Earth beauties.

Yup, the recent reopening of Yoshinoya Robinsons Galleria Branch was graced by this year candidates. Eight (8) beautiful ladies were present during the reopening ceremonies together with different executives of Yoshinoya and Robinsons Galleria. The lovely beauties are Miss Panama, Miss Venezuela, Miss Sweden, Miss Honduras, Miss Malaysia, Miss Curacao, Miss Greece and Miss Spain.

Aside from flaunting their beauties they were also asked to shared their advocacy to save Mother Earth during the mini fashion show.

Of course the ceremony wouldn't be complete without the signature dish of Yoshinoya, which the lovely Earth beauties and guests delightedly partake.
Also after the ceremony Yoshinoya opened the door for their happy customers who will take freebies and a once in a life time chance to take a selfie with the Miss Earth candidates.

One of the nearest mall in our area, Ever Gotesco Mall, created and developed something new for their customers. This is through Everscapes, Ever Group of Companies, established a new lifestyle strip along Commonwealth Avenue. It is poised to become a home away from home for families and groups on th lookout for exciting food and beverage adventures.

It recently held its first-ever 'Food Crawl' where guests were treated to a "full" day of food, music and fun festivities. Everyone had a delightful time visiting the restaurants as they got a bite at some of the mouthwatering selections that include best-selling appetizers, classic meal favorites, popular desserts and signature beverages.


Among the restaurants in Calle Bistro are the following: Sisig Society, ELM's Kapihan and Winery, Adobo Connection, Ima Kitchen, Gerry's Grill and Restaurant, PUB Express, Hap Chan, Macao Imperial Tea, Cook the Bread, among others. You can check out our complied photos and videos of the food and establishments on our YouTube channel, Kwento Ni Toto.




The 'Food Crawl', according to Chie Arao-Santos, Corporate Marketing Manger of EVER Group of Companies, is a tasty preview of the many flavorful discoveries that await diners at Calle Bistro, being a new foodie hub with diverse cuisine offerings.

"As the newest food destivation north of manila, Calle Bistro offers a variety of culinary options for the large neighborhood along Commonwealth Avenue, from breakfast to chilling at midnight. As a brand, Calle Bistro is family-oriented, sincere and down-to-earth. We aim to create not just a space for food, but a community through Calle Bistro where people gather for Great Eats and Great Meets - to exchange stories, make memorable moments and enjoy the best of life without driving too far away from their homes," said Santos.


For the holidays, Calle Bistro invites Ever mall goers to its grand food and music extravaganza dubbed "Eats an Affair" which begins November 30 until December 2. Apart from restaurant hopping, visitors will be entertained by live band performances while surprise guest celebrities will be participating in the Star Bazaar activity.


This interesting part of Ever Gotesco livens the mood of the mall and engage more mall goers. As Calle Bistro hosts more spaces for more restaurants, cafes and wine bars.

Time to get those fingers busy this long weekend. Head on to your Lazada app, look for these items perfect for the whole family... and start adding these to your carts! Make sure to check out during Lazada’s 11.11 Shopping Festival!

• Light up your home this Christmas with the Yika 50LED Waterproof Fairly Light Christmas Lights for only PHP 99! 

• Grab a Uratex Kiddie Sit and Sleep for only PHP 1,709! 

• Snag a Bosch Impact Drill for PHP 3,275—the perfect tool for the everday DIYer! 

• Keep your space clean and organized with the Hodeso Microwave and Oven Steam Cleaner Sterilizer for only PHP 84! 

• Stay connected with your loved ones with TNT’s 30% off for every PHP 300 denomination from 12 midnight to 12:30 only!

Make your shopping even more exciting! This wide assortment will be up for grabs via Lazada's shopping games! Invite your friends to "Slash It!", a feature that allows you to lower the price of a product through referral link sent to your friends to slash the price. Vouchers and discount codes are also available via Wonderland and “Shake It!”, where you can snag additional discounts by simply shaking one's mobile phone at designated time slots.

Online shopping can't get better than this! Watch out for all the products that will go on sale during the 11.11 Shopping Festival Day by visiting official Facebook and Instagram pages, or by simply logging on to www.lazada.com.ph/ or download the Lazada Mobile app via App Store or Google Play.

So what are you waiting for!

One of the most innovative Proptech solution for buyers, sellers, brokers and developers, Housal.com, will be having its first exposition in the Philippines. Bringing and inviting all stakeholders in Realty and Construction to this very first exposition which will be on July 19 and 20, 2019 at SMX Mall of Asia.

Mr. Yogesh Mathur, CEO of Housal and creator of Envision 2019 gave a warm welcome and a short speech to the bloggers and media present during the conference. According to him "2018 marked the year of the launch of our innovative digital Real Estate platform, 2019 marks the next step towards bringing all stakeholders together."

So what is Envision 2019? It is the upcoming event created and formed by Housal to finally bring together all the prime stakeholders in Realty in one event. From developers to banks, from contractors to insurers and from brokers to buyers, this is where all the dots in Real Estate will be connected. This is one way of having the big picture by connecting potential clients and business partners.

Mr. Mathur expresses that "Real Estate and Construction in the Philippines are main contributors to the 77 quarters of uninterrupted growth in GDP. Although the economic outlook remains positive, more can be done to accelerate industry growth. To keep up with the demand of an ever growing population and all the challenges that come with it in terms of infrastructure and sustainability, more collaboration and better cooperation amongst stakeholders is key in moving forward, hence us organizing Envision 2019."
During the bloggers and media conference, few questions were asked to the organizers and one of the executives of Housal, Mr. Maarten Pennings happily and gladly delivered the responses to the queries.

To give a glimpse about Envision 2019, the two-day event offers two different settings. First there is the expo, which covers 140+ booths and is open to the general public, accommodating thousands of visitors. Free registration is already possible via the event website. The second setting focuses on business matching. In a VIP area, dedicated to business leaders, the Envision team organizes several curated sessions linking participating companies with one another based on their business goals. Complimenting the business matching and expo, Envision 2019 will have a line up of top-notch speakers from the industry and continuous live entertainment to ensure that all visitors will have both a productive as well as a delightful experience.

The event is in collaboration with event organizer PMCM Events Management, Envision 2019 invites all Real Estate Stakeholders from the Philippines and beyond to attend, exhibit and sponsor. For more information kindly visit www.envision.ph.

FPG Insurance President and CEO Ramon Yap Dimacali and Connext Insurance Agency President and General Manager Jonathan Ramirez as they pose together with the candidates of 2018 Miss Earth.

One of the insurance companies today, Connext Insurance Agency and FPG Insurance, the major player in the general insurance industry and leader in motor insurance coverge, initiated and pushes the paperless insurance policy together with the gorgeous Miss Earth candidates.  The event happened last October 23, 2018 at The Viridian in Greenhills, San Juan City.

The event was graced by the Air Group of Miss Earth candidates including Miss Earth Philippines bet Celeste Cortesi who is very positive for a back-to-back win. FPG Insurance Ortigas Branch, headed by Ms. Rowena Cuaresma, takes pride in having Connext Insurance Agency as its top producer and among those who find exciting ways to promote safety and insurance through various channels such as the Miss Earth pageant.

It was a night of great move in pushing the advocacy of saving mother earth in one way or another with both the Connext Insurance Agency, FPG Insurance and the candidates of Miss Earth. Expressed their plan and their actions.

Meanwhile, Connext President and General Manager Jonathan Ramirez shared with the ladies and members of the press his vision of moving insurance towards not only to a more efficient business process but also an environment-friendly one.

“We would like to challenge the current process of insurance companies, including us, that depend heavily on actual manpower logistics and the excessive paper we print out. We saw Miss Earth, an institution that advocates environment conservation, as an ideal platform, and FPG Insurance as the perfect partner, to introduce our latest technology and business process to the market,” said Ramirez.

Connext's Jonathan Ramirez inks agreement with Carousel Production's Peachy Veneracion

The event kicked off the partnership among Connext Insurance Agency, FPG Insurance, and Carousel Productions, the organizer of the 17-year long pageant, to promote the norm of insuring among the public and recognizing that peace of mind is something as valuable as time.

“We are very happy to be a part of Connext’s vision of changing the landscape of the general insurance industry. FPG Insurance will always be a staunch supporter of innovation and advocacies that contribute to better lives,” said Ramon Yap Dimacali, President and CEO of FPG Insurance Philippines.

Formerly known as Federal Phoenix Assurance Co., Inc., FPG Insurance was established in 1958 and is a member of the Zuellig Group of Companies in implementing bespoke insurance and risk management solutions for its clients. FPG Insurance is the trusted name in general insurance solutions. FPG Insurance also has operations in Indonesia and Thailand.


Of course aside from words of the top-brass of the companies, a little fashion highlights with the present candidates of  Miss Earth. The event named one of the candidates, Miss Portugal as the Connext's face of the evening.

More photos of the candidates later on this blog!

We have featured a lot of sexy ladies and magazines on this blog but we haven't featured the most iconic logo when it comes to making the day great. So, I was glad that I was invited to the press conference of their latest cover girl and one of the hottest young stars in Philippine showbiz, Ivana Alawi at Eastwood Richmond Hotel, Ballroom 1.

Petit, beautiful and sexy, Ivana Alawi appears on the cover of the September – October 2018 issue (the Entertainment Issue) of PLAYBOY Philippines. Alawi bravely and barely took all the questions from the members of the press. She shared her experiences during the photo shoot and even her favorite photo. On the side, she even shared that she's very comfortable in showing and posing some of her skins. Ivana also shared her current status and who among her co-stars is her crush.
The PLAYBOY Philippines (Entertainment Issue) September – October 2018 issue also features electropop band Autotelic , music photographer Niña Sandejas , actor Albie Casiño , and indie band Oh Flamingo!

According to PLAYBOY Philippines VP for operations, Billy Abeleda, “Ivana’s star is on the rise and the press conference serves as a milestone for both the young actress and the brand.”
Want to know more about Ivana Alawi? Follow her on Facebook and Instagram:

https://www.facebook.com/IvanaAlawi
https://www.instagram.com/ivanaalawi

(from left to right) Nic Escalante (HYPE President), Piolo Pascual

Previously known transport network company just went out of the market and the remaining one is now benefiting very well. So, commuters are left with the choice to use or not to use. Fortunately there are new comers that are ready to go head on with the existing and reigning transport system, which is just few weeks ago they formally launched their transport system. HYPE Transport Systems, Inc. one of the newest all Filipino transport network companies (TNC) recently held its first ever HYPE FEST, a gathering of drivers, operators, and the public; as the TNC goes full swing in its operations to serve the riding public, at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex. Pasay City.

The event was attended by thousands, ranging from drivers, operators, media, bloggers, and interested people. The HYPE FEST brought together the entire community in an afternoon and early evening of entertainment, fun, games, and camaraderie; highlighted by the appearance of Mr. Piolo Pascual, HYPE ambassador; and the raffling off of various items from the sponsors; and a brand new Toyota Vios to a lucky event-goer.

In his message to the attendees, Mr. Nicanor Escalante, HYPE Transport Systems, Inc. President said, “When we first envisioned HYPE, we had a vision to provide the Filipino riding public a viable choice. We wanted the Filipinos to have the power to choose the most affordable, the safest, the most convenient, and with the most number of transport options possible.”

“We are proud to say that as the Filipino riding public has begun to support HYPE, more and more of our drivers --- both TNVS and taxi cabs; will continue to enjoy more and more earnings by using the app, and will most definitely enjoy more surprises from us and our partners,” Escalante further said.

(from left to right) Nic Escalante (HYPE President), Piolo Pascual, Jennifer Silan (HYPE COO)

During his speech, Mr. Escalante further announced a promo-incentive for drivers who complete a pre-determined number of trips that might just win them up to One Million Pesos in prizes. Miss Jennifer Silan, HYPE Chief Operating Officer also presented a number of promo-incentive schemes for the riding public.

This event was sponsored by SMART, PLDT, Phoenix Petroleum, Rapide, Hunters, Huawei, Connext Marketing (BAJAJ), Toyota Lipa, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, and Star City; was hosted by internet sensation Ashley Rivera, was graced by Filipina actress, host, dancer, and commercial model Andrea Torres of GMA 7; with Ransom Collective, an all-Filipino indie folk band entertaining the audience; and capped off by the performance of sought-after DJ Patty Tiu.


To learn more about HYPE Transport Systems, Inc. visit their website at www.hypetransport.com; and their Facebook page www.facebook.com/HYPE.